ISI Parent Information Handbook 2019

Parent Information

Handbook

International School Innsbruck I Angerzellgasse 14 A-6020 Innsbruck I T: +43 (0)50902-801-0 I F: +43 (0)50902-801-900 I E: agi@tsn.at

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.

Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.�

Martin Luther King, Jr.

International School Innsbruck I Angerzellgasse 14 A-6020 Innsbruck I T: +43 (0)50902-801-0 I F: +43 (0)50902-801-900 I E: agi@tsn.at

Director’s Welcome Young people walk through our doors everyday. It is our privilege, as a school, to receive them, their self-motivations and their desire to continue the journey through life itself. This understanding brings with it a great responsibility that we readily accept and desire ourselves. We understand this learning relationship is shared with parents and the students. Their families place a great deal of trust in our ability to accompany all on this journey.

In working closely with the school community, our vision is to create a learning environment that is supportive of the pillars of our ideals: • • • •

a cultural learning environment a school of thought a place of encounters and a school of progress

The International Bilingual School Innsbruck is an integral element of our implementation of these ideals. Our students have often begun their journeys in many other lands. Through their decision to join our school, we are able to harness and utilise their global experiences. Through their full participation in our community we can provide them with a strong learning environment but also allow them to provide an international facet that enriches the learning process of those students involved in our classic and network classes. Through experience we recognise the value that this brings for each individual that attends our school.

Our pathway is clear, through the support of the school community, the Innsbruck business community, the Board of Education for Tyrol and the Ministry for Education Austria, we will pursue our desire to become an International Baccalaureate World School providing opportunities for International School Innsbruck students to actively partake in the IB Diploma Programme and the Austrian School Leaving Exam in their final years. We will continue to further develop our curriculum to enable middle college and senior college students to be fully prepared to meet the demands of a truly international education system.# I look forward to meeting all prospective parents and guardians together with their students. I welcome you to visit our school and discover the unique learning environment that International School Innsbruck presents.

HR Mag. Helmuth AIGNER Director of School International School Innsbruck Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck

International School Innsbruck I Angerzellgasse 14 A-6020 Innsbruck I T: +43 (0)50902-801-0 I F: +43 (0)50902-801-900 I E: agi@tsn.at

Coordinator’s Welcome The bilingual International School Innsbruck is a place of cultural learning. Through the international branch of our school we endeavour to ensure that our learner's eyes open to a more interesting world where an individual finds motivation to further believe in the true potential of oneself, others and our environment.

Our experience in bilingual education began in 1996. This time has prepared us well for a new step towards our objective to become an International Baccalaureate World School. A highly professional team of academic teaching staff and further supported by native speaking teachers from the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia ensure the delivery of learning, as our students work to obtain a high-level competency in both English and German These competencies are further developed through intensive use of these languages in subjects such as Geography, Biology, Mathematics and Music Frank Smith, a well known psycho-linguist from the UK helps us to understand the opportunities that exist in bilingual education, when he says, "One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way."

As coordinator of the International School Innsbruck, I would like to welcome you to our school. Our website will provide you with a brief insight into our school. We invite all those interested, through our website, to take the time to get to know our school, our staff and students and the learning that we all share. I also welcome the opportunity to meet with members our school community and those who wish to join us. Please feel free to forward all enquiries via the contact form below.

Mag. Rosmarie KNOFLACH MA Coordinator International School Innsbruck am Akademisches Gymnasium

Contents OUR SCHOOL LEARNING - CURRICULUM Middle Years College - Unterstufe – School level 5 – 8 Senior Years College - Oberstufe – School level 5 – 8

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME SCHOOL POLICY - EXTRACT

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ENROLMENT APPLICATION INTERVIEW DOCUMENTATION INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STUDENTS ENROLLING AT OTHER TIMES

10 11 11 12 12 12

ADMISSIONS POLICY ADMISSION PHILOSOPHY STUDENTS WITH AN AUSTRIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT CARD STUDENTS WITH A NON-AUSTRIAN REPORT CARD ADMISSION INTO LATER GRADES ADMISSION AS NON-REGULAR STUDENTS ADMISSION OF GUEST STUDENTS

13 13 13 13 14 14 14 15

CONTACT

Our School Situated in the heart of the Alps, Internatonal School Innsbruck is a culmination of a motivated community of initiators in the west of Austria. Today, as the school finalises its status as an IB World School, we look forward to continuing the traditions of international education in Tirol.

Since 1996, Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck has been teaching students bilingually and in particular in the learning areas of Mathematics, Geography and Economics, and Biology and Environmental Science. The learning concept with English as the instructional language has developed progressively and in consultation with parents and students.

Alongside the acquisition of a targeted higher-level English competency, students are educated using subject-specific English in the learning areas. Further selected subjects are also taught in English and supported by native-speaking staff. Our international focus also includes the fundamental importance of languages as a gateway to international open-mindedness, cultural awareness and a development of the individual striving for excellence in a globalised world.

Our programmes are designed so that even students without a prior knowledge of a foreign language such as English are well supported by our experience of the past 17 years. The international class is open to all primary school graduates with talented language skills. International students arriving in Innsbruck are also provided with an attractive learning programme in which to continue their education.

The final two years of upper secondary schooling (School Level 11 & 12) include the teaching of parallel curricula – the Austrian National Curriculum and that of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Alongside the compulsory Austrian School Leaving Examination (Österreichische Matura) students have the opportunity, in their final year, to participate in and graduate from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Methodology The International School Innsbruck incorporates bilingual teaching utilising the principles of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) that requires a methodical emphasis based on modern non-native language- and subject-specific didactics. Parallel to targeted, content-specific language instruction, synergies through simultaneous learning of content delivered in two languages with positive feedback effects on the development of native language are utilised.

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Organisation The International School Innsbruck begins at the 5th level of schooling. Students entering are usually aged between 10 and 11 years of age. The school continues through to the 12th level of schooling where students can graduate with an International Baccalaureate and an Austrian Matura. The International Baccalaureate in particular, is recognised as an appropriate entry education into universities worldwide.

The diagram below depicts the typical middle college school day beginning for all students at 7:55 am. The duration of all classes is 50 minutes and there is a 5-minute break between each class. Following the 3rd period, students have a longer break of 15-minutes. Typically, most students in the Middle Years College finish at 1:30 pm. There are exceptions to this plan. In the Senior Years College, students’ timetables will vary depending on their subject selections. The planning will traditionally follow that of the Middle Years College.

YEAR 1

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

7:55 – 8:45

MATH

MATH

MUSIC

SPORT

GERMAN

8:50 – 9:40

GERMAN

GEOGRAPHY

ENGLISH

SPORT

ENGLISH

9:45 – 10:35

SPORT

ENGLISH

GERMAN

ART

ENGLISH

10:35 – 10:50

MORNING BREAK

10:50 – 11:40

SPORT

CREATIVE ARTS

GEOGRAPHY

ART

MATH

11:45 – 12:35

MUSIC

CREATIVE ARTS

RELIGION

RELIGION

BIOLOGY

GERMAN

MATHS

12:40 – 13:30

BIOLOGY

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Learning - Curriculum The curriculum is divided into two major periods of schooling. The subjects being taught at these levels are part of a national curriculum scheme.

Middle Years College - Unterstufe – School level 5 – 8 Religion – Catholic, Protestant or Islam – further religion classes can be undertaken outside the school German – international students will have access to further support classes English Latin 1 or French 1 (from Level 7 onwards) Humanities – History, Social Studies and Politics (from Level 6 onwards) Geography and Economics Mathematics Biology and Environmental Science Chemistry (from Level 8 onwards) Physics (from Level 6 onwards) Music Art Drawing Handcrafts Physical Education

Senior Years College - Oberstufe – School level 9 – 12 Religion – Catholic, Protestant or Islam – further religion classes can be undertaken outside the school or Ethics German – international students will have access to further support classes English Greek, French 2, Italian or Latin 2 Latin 1 or French 1 (from Level 7 onwards) Humanities – History, Social Studies and Politics (from Level 6 onwards) Geography and Economics Mathematics Biology and Environmental Science Chemistry (from Level 11 onwards) Physics (from Level 10 onwards) Music Art Drawing – (up to Level 10) Physical Education

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Co-curricular Programme The co-curricular programming at the school is in part driven by our international focus. However, it is important that students in the International School learning stream learn to identify with the Akademisches Gymnasium as a community. There are many co-curricular activities that are available to all students. Those highlighted below are but a part of the programme on offer.

Year 1: Intensive English Week Year 2: Winter Sport Week Year 3: Eastbourne – UK (10 Days)

Year 5: Summer Sport Week Year 6: USA (14 Days)

For further information on the school's vision click here

Parent and Friends (Support) Association Our programme is of course, of substantial yet additional benefit for families and is therefore associated with further financial expenses. These costs are supported, in part, by government funding. In order to maintain a lower level of costs to the school and its students, Unterstützungsverein ISI - a parent and friends association - was established. Membership for all parents and/or guardians of students learning at the International School Innsbruck is obligatory. The membership fee is €40 per month calculated over 10 months. A direct debit of €200,- bi-annually is required. More information can be found on the website: www.internationalschoolinnsbruck.weebly.com

School Policy - Extract (Extract from School Policies Document)

• • • • • • • • • • •

Participation at school is obligatory.

We begin lessons punctually, attend arranged appointments and meet all deadlines.

Apologies for absenteeism are required to be presented to classroom teachers as early as possible and without request.

We interact politely and respectfully with each other.

Arrangements given by the teacher are to be followed.

We avoid all behaviours that risk one’s own safety or that of others.

Classrooms are a working environment.

We ensure cleanliness and order.

We ensure that we respect our school; the buildings, the institution, the teaching materials and other’s personal property.

We comply with all the further policies indicated by our school policy document.

We understand that misconduct will be sanctioned.

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Enrolment The International School Innsbruck – ISI, is an integrated stream of learning within the publicly funded school – Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck. The school is open to all students who have obtained the right to reside in Austria and can fulfill the entrance requirements.

Our programme is further supported by the Austrian Economic Chambers, the Federation of Austrian Industry and the Tyrolean provincial government (Landesregierung von Tirol). Only through their support and together with the parent and friends support association membership fees, can we continue to subsidise language-focused excursions in England/USA/Canada.

Application Traditionally, an application for registration to the 5 th level of schooling occurs in February of the previous year. Students and their guardians will be required to complete an interview process.

Interview The interview process is as follows: 1. Contact the school per email or telephone to arrange an application and interview time.

3. 2. Once an appointment has been agreed to, parents or guardians will have an interview with the Director of School.

4. A team of teachers will also interview students at this time. Students can prepare for their interview by bringing an item that has some meaning to them and enables an interview panel to gain an initial insight into the students’ everyday life. Examples of a personal items could include: 5. a) A photo – family, hobbies, interests, achievements b) An object relating to family, hobbies, interests, achievements c) A story – of an experience – holiday, school projects 6. Following this interview process is a period of registration prior to final approval.

By law families are also required to provide certain documentation prior to registration. The documentation is as follows:

Documentation 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Original School Report Card from the 3rd and 4th level of schooling A copy of the School Report Card Personal Identification – passport, birth certificate or id card If possible: completed registration form (can be downloaded from our website) Your child's Austrian Social Security number - eCard

International Students We understand that not all International families are able to operate within this time frame of events. The application process for international students remains the same but the time frame is to be arranged in consultation with the ISI Coordinator and preferably prior to arrival in Austria.

Students enrolling at other times Parents or guardians are asked to contact and arrange an appointment with the Director or Coordinator when wishing to enroll students at a time outside of the regular enrollment period.

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Admissions Policy Admission philosophy The International School Innsbruck is subjected to both admission criteria for Austrian comprehensive grammar schools and our own school-specific admission regulations.

Each student is individually considered based on a combination of fcators including creativity, language ability and social interaction as well as their school report cards of their prior schools in order that one develop the ability to follow the IB curriculum and the Austrian state grammar school curriculum. The headmaster of the school is ultimately responsible for admission of a student.

Admission into Year 1 (Grade 5) Students with an Austrian primary school report card Admission is based on two components: • • •

50% report card: students need to have good marks and / or the teachers of the primary school assesses them as capable of following the grammar school curriculum (AHS-Reife).

25% language creativity test: shows strategic and creative abilities as well as language skills, conducted in German or English, depending on the L1 of the applicant.

25% interview: points for internationalism, bilingualism, motivation, social skills and extra-curricular activities.

If the students show a lack of motivation and interest, they can be rejected, even when the overall score is high. This is to protect the students from parental pressure. If a student has an international background, this can overrule other components. In any case, decisions will be made after consultations with the headmaster, the admissions team and the provincial board of education.

The parents will receive written confirmation of acceptance.

Students with a non-Austrian report card They must undergo the same procedure: • • •

Language creativity test Interview Additional placement tests in Maths

Students who do not speak German or English sufficiently may not be accepted or if it is obvious that they are not able to follow the school curriculum successfully. In any case, decisions will be made by the headmaster and the admissions team.

The parents will receive written confirmation of acceptance.

Admission into later grades Students who want to attend the International School Innsbruck after year 1 (grade 5) must be sufficiently fluent in English and / or German to follow the instructions.

These applicants must undergo placements tests in Mathematics, German and English.

Admission of students with special educational needs The decision of accepting applicants with special educational needs will be made on an individual basis by the superintendent, the headmaster and the IB coordinator.

The overall ability to follow the grammar school curriculum (AHS-Reife) of the student will be the basis of this decision.

Admission as extra-ordinary(legal status) students Students who are not able to complete the requirements for regular admission may be given a probationary status and registered as extra-ordinary students. These students are assessed at the end of each year to determine if they can continue into the following year.

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Angerzellgasse 14 A-6020 Innsbruck T: +43 (0)50902-801-0 F: +43 (0)50902-801-900 E: agi@tsn.at

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